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The Buddha is a title.
It means the "Awakened One".

Prince Siddhartha Gauthama became
"Awakened"
or
"Enlightened"
about 2585 years ago (about 587 BC).
Since then he was called "The Gauthama Buddha".

The title "Awakened One" signifies the understanding of the "Dhamma" in its clearest form. The
"Dhamma" collectively represents all the rules, laws, and principles that govern all life forms.

The "Dhamma" as the Buddha well expounded--Svakkhato --is:

Sanditthiko --To be seen here and now (to be realized by oneself)
                         Dhamma is real. As a result, one has to realize it; There's no need to believe.
Akaliko --Not delayed in time. The Dhamma is independent of time. It describes the
dependence of life and time (dependent origination).
Ehi Passiko --Inviting one to come and see . The Dhamma is an open book; There are no
mysteries; Everything is explained and nothing is to be taken for granted or
"to be believed".
Opanayiko -- Onward leading (to be cultivated in one's mind). Like a parent that takes a child
by the hand and helps through tumbling, crawling, standing and walking, or like a good teacher
that patiently helps a student through his learning, the Dhamma will lead one's mind to higher and
higher levels. One can start examining or learning the Dhamma at any level; the Dhamma will lead
the person to higher levels.
Paccattam veditabbo Vinnuhi --To be known by the wise, each for himself
As the "Dhamma" is not based on beliefs, it requires effort on the part of the student to
understand. "Dhamma" is to be understood not (necessarily) memorized.
( here "Vinnu" means the wise or rational thinkers)